Leader of Opposition in the Meghalaya Assembly, Mukul M. Sangma, urged a sensitive and balanced approach to the ongoing discussion regarding the Meghalaya State Reservation Policy during a debate on the Expert Committee’s report. He noted that the topic has consistently arisen over the years, often navigated informally to prevent unnecessary tensions due to its delicate nature. Sangma emphasized the importance of careful interpretation of constitutional provisions, likening the process to a “tightrope walk.” He acknowledged the foundational leaders of the state for their balanced approach at its inception, noting that they successfully protected the interests of the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo tribes while also accommodating other tribes and maintaining a 15% open merit category. He cautioned against reliance solely on statistical data, suggesting that this approach could lead to an endless debate, and highlighted the significance of adhering to the spirit of the unanimous decisions made in the past. Additionally, Sangma pointed out the key role of government employees as custodians of state authority in governance and urged that Articles 16(4) and 16(4B) should be interpreted in conjunction with Articles 16(1) and 16(2) to ensure comprehensive understanding. He also stressed the importance of not taking the Judiciary, Legislature, or Parliament for granted, advocating for the preservation of constitutional balance.
Opposition Leader Seeks Inclusive Dialogue on Meghalaya’s Job Quota Policy
